China Drafts Rules to Ban Virtual Intimacy Services for Minors
China's internet regulatory authority has proposed new guidelines aimed at safeguarding minors online, which include a ban on "virtual intimacy services" for individuals under 18. The proposed regulations, named "Ensuring minors' safe and healthy use of the internet," specifically prohibit "virtual relatives or companions" and any services that may negatively impact the physical and mental well-being of minors. Online platforms are required to implement a minors' mode for gaming, social media, and AI services that affect users younger than 16. This initiative follows the introduction of regulations concerning humanlike AI interactions two months ago. The draft is currently available for public feedback, but no implementation timeline has been provided. The goal is to protect youth from emotional exploitation and addiction in digital spaces, although enforcement specifics are not yet revealed.
Key facts
- China's top internet watchdog drafted new rules to protect minors online.
- The rules ban offering "virtual intimacy services" to those under 18.
- Platforms would be prohibited from providing "virtual relatives or companions."
- Services that induce addiction or harm minors' health would be banned.
- Platforms must activate minors' mode for online games, social sites, and AI services affecting users under 16.
- The draft follows China's first dedicated rules on humanlike AI interaction by two months.
- The rules are titled "Ensuring minors' safe and healthy use of the internet."
- The proposals aim to address the rise of AI-powered companions.
Entities
Locations
- China